"My Chinese switch was a famous weapon of defence, too."
"What! a switch?"
"Remember that it was a nerf de bœuf. I could have killed a calf with it."
"What a curious idea of those Chinese to make canes with nerfs de bœuf!"
"An additional proof, my dear Monsieur Courbichon, that the Chinese are much more advanced than we are—much more progressive! They build houses of india-rubber."
"Hard rubber, of course?"
"I don't know whether it's hard or not—it makes no difference. Pardieu! Monsieur Courbichon, you must agree that there are lucky chances, and that we were both happily inspired when we went to that café to-day!"
"It is certain, monsieur, that otherwise——"
"You would never have seen your charming cane again. Are you married, Monsieur Courbichon?"
"I have been married, monsieur, but I am a widower."